Biology at Saint Anselm College

Saint Anselm's biology graduates earn nearly $8,000 less than the typical biology grad from a New Hampshire college—landing in just the 25th percentile statewide despite carrying the state's median debt load of $27,000. Three public university systems in the state consistently produce biology grads earning over $40,000 in their first year, while Saint Anselm's median sits at $33,820. The 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming on its own, but it becomes harder to justify when comparing what students at UNH or even Plymouth State are earning right out of the gate.

The caveat here matters: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances can swing these numbers significantly. A few students heading to low-paying gap-year positions before medical school could drag down the median. Still, even accounting for volatility, the $12,000 gap between Saint Anselm and UNH points to a meaningful difference in immediate career outcomes.

If your child is set on Saint Anselm for reasons beyond biology—campus culture, smaller classes, the liberal arts environment—the debt level is manageable enough that it won't become crushing. But for families prioritizing return on investment in a biology degree specifically, New Hampshire's public options deliver stronger first-year earnings at comparable or lower cost.